Ocean Economy
As a women-led non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development and community empowerment, Cewefia has identified the ocean economy as a critical focus area. This aligns with its mission to improve livelihoods, protect marine ecosystems, and foster equitable opportunities for coastal communities, particularly in Ghana's fishing regions.
​
The ocean economy encompasses industries and activities related to the sustainable use of marine resources, including fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, renewable energy, and marine conservation. For Cewefia, the emphasis lies on ensuring that these activities benefit vulnerable populations, especially women and youth, who play vital roles in Ghana's coastal and fishing sectors but often face systemic barriers to equitable participation and leadership.
​
Cewefia supports small-scale fishers and processors by promoting sustainable fishing practices and advocating for policies that safeguard marine resources while enhancing food security and income generation. By engaging communities in capacity-building initiatives, the organization equips them with knowledge and tools to adopt environmentally friendly practices, such as reducing bycatch, eliminating post-harvest losses, proper waste management, and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Empowering women is a cornerstone of Cewefia’s approach. Women, who dominate fish processing and trading, are supported through financial literacy programs, market access facilitation, and training in value addition to ensure higher income and resilience against climate change impacts.
​
Furthermore, Cewefia advocates for marine conservation and climate adaptation strategies, recognizing the interconnectedness of ocean health and community well-being. By fostering partnerships with local authorities, policymakers, and international organizations, Cewefia contributes to building a robust and inclusive ocean economy that promotes social equity, economic growth, and environmental sustainability in Ghana’s coastal regions. This focus ensures that marine resources are managed responsibly to benefit current and future generations.